Online ReporterSikhulekelani Moyo
Zimpapers Business Hub
DISCUSSIONS around sustainability took centre stage at the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Confex, AfriConfex,
yesterday, amid calls to take green initiatives seriously for a better future.
Running under the theme: Smart Moves: Powering Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Evolution”, AfriConfex was co-organised by the
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, and the
Zimbabwe Construction Industry Association.
In an interview after the tour of the exhibition stands at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre and Smart City in
Bulawayo, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona said this year’s exhibitions resonated well with the
theme, stressing that sustainability was key for the development of the country.
Minister Mhona emphasised the need to take sustainability seriously, saying that contractors should take into consideration
climate change and other sustainability issues.
“When we talk of infrastructure, one should take cognisance of the issues of resilience, even the advent of the weather patterns
that we have in this country.”
“As we partake in the exercise of rehabilitating our infrastructure, like roads or general buildings, we need to take note of the
issues of sustainability.
“I’m happy we are putting that together, with Government ministries and departments working closely as a whole of
Government approach.” As the effects of climate change become more visible and costlier, a growing coalition of experts,
Government agencies, and development partners is pushing for a radical rethink of how the country builds.
